Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl founded the company bearing the family name in 1909. It began as a subsidiary of a German Zeppelin manufacturer. Like other iconic car producers, Maybach shifted from making specialty engines to building automobiles.

After more than 100 years of different owners, financial troubles and additional trials and tribulations, Maybach had had enough. It stopped making its opulent creations after only 157 were sold worldwide in 2010.

A decade ago, Maybach began collaborating with Mercedes, the now 100-year-old German automaker. Together, they produce ultra-luxury vehicles and aim to compete with Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

The newest offering is the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680. It also carries as part of its formal title the lofty identifier, Monogram Series.

The roadster has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine with 577 horsepower. It uses a nine-speed automatic transmission and has all-wheel drive standard. The car is marketed as accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in four seconds and it achieves it with a confident note. Gas mileage estimates are 13 miles per gallon in city driving, 20 mph on the highway. The poor totals mean the roadster is assessed with a $1,300 gas guzzler’s tax.

Upscale everything is everywhere, sometimes to excess. Sculptured in perfectly contoured proportions, the Maybach is only available standard with Garnet Red Metallic and White Ambience exterior paint. Both choices have a black soft-top roof covered with the “Double-M” Maybach logo. The silver-dollar-sized logo is also dotted across the hood.

The unique approach is a $6,500 extra. The logo is also prominent as cutouts on the lower front fascia. A chrome trim around the front windshield matches the 21-inch five-hole forged wheels. Understated elegance does not apply.

Roadsters have an overall driving appeal, notably with tops retracted. And as attractive as the Maybach is with its top up, it’s royalty with its top down. Levers on the console between the front seat controls the soft tops’ function. It fully retracts and returns into its upright position in 15 seconds and can be engaged while driving up to 38 miles per hour.

Standard features also include an adaptive suspension with active hydraulic body roll stabilization and rear-wheel steering to enhance agility and maneuverability. Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, parking assistance and adaptive front lighting are also standard.

Driving modes are Comfort, Maybach, Sport and Individual. The latter allows drivers to customize their combinations of steering, suspension, throttle and transmission. Interior accoutrements are top-line, as expected. White Nappa leather dominates the plush seats and headrest, door interior and two-textured steering wheel. The winter-whiteout theme continues with thick white carpeting. A pair of slippers or a box of booties isn’t standard equipment but should be. The carpet can’t possibly remain clean for more than five minutes otherwise.

Despite its interior designer’s touch and high-level engineering, the seat adjustment settings are located low on the door interiors. They’re hard to reach and maneuver awkwardly.

Roadsters aren’t known for easy ingress and egress; the Maybach requires a concerted effort. Another frustration: the 21-inch wheels rub on low-speed speed tight corners.

Once situated, the experience defines luxury. Enjoy the ride while listening to the 17-speaker, 1,220-watt Burmester surround-sound system.

The vehicle is powerful and refined. It’s a $234,000 example of high-class flash. Everyone knows you’re there and Maybach wants it that way.

Visit: https://www.mbusa.com/en/future-vehicles/2026-mercedes-maybach-sl-680-monogram-series

_{Cover photo: Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series “Red Ambiance” – Photo Copyright © John Berg 2026}